Blast hole loading machine



6 Sheets-Sheet l i NQ g w. v. STYLES ETAL BLAST HOLE LOADING MACHINEWilbur V. Sly/es E lias A. Pa/o INVENTORS.

Nov. 11, 1952 Filed March 1, 1948 Nov. 11, 1952 w. v. STYLES ET AL 72,617,542

I BLAST HOLE LOADING MACHINE Filed March 1, 1948 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Wilburv. Sly/es mmvms. Elias A.Pa/0.

Now-ll, 1952 w. V.-' STYLES ETAL BLAST HOLE LOADING MACHINE 6Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed March 1, 1948 Wilbur V. Sty/es Elias A Pa/o Nov.11, 1952 w, v, STYLES ETAL 2,617,542

BLAST HOLE LOADING MACHINE I Filed March 1, 1948 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 WilburV. Sty/es Elias A. Pa/o JNVENTORS.

NW. 11, 1952 w. v. STYLES ETAL BLAST HOLE LOADING MACHINE 6 Sheets-Sheet5 Filed March 1, 1948 Wilbur V. Sty/es Elias A. Pa/o INVENTORS.

Nov. 1-1, 1952 2,617,542

W. V. STYLES ET AL BLAST HOLE LOADING MACHINE Filed March 1, 1948 6Sheets-Sheet 6 Wilbur V. Sty/es Elias A. Pa/o INVENTORS.

Patented Nov. 11, 1952 BLAST HOLE LOADING MACHINE Wilbur V. Styles andElias A. Palo, Colstrip, Mont.

Application March 1, 1948, Serial No. 12,444

14 Claims.

This invention appertains to novel and useful improvements in devicesfor loading a shaft or cavern for subsequent explosion.

An object of this invention i to urge a ramrod or loading stick into apre-formed shaft.

Another object of this invention is to tilt the loading stick inaccordance with the angularity of the shaft, relative to the grade lineor relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle utilized inassociation herewith.

Another object of this invention is to frictionally drive or urge theloading stick and to regulate the amount of friction between drivingmembers and the stick, necessary in such an operation.

A further object of this invention is to pivotally tilt a frame which issupported on a vehicle, the frame being pivoted about opposite ends,whereby the ramrod or loading stick may be directed at various selectedangles or to raise and lower the frame as a unit.

Another object of this invention is to raise and lower selectivelypreferably by hydraulic means, a bank of rollers having frictionconductive members on their faces for engagement with a ramrod orloading stick.

Another purpose of this invention is to support the ramrod adjustably inorder to prevent it from dragging and to prevent excess sagging thereof.

Another purpose of this invention is to actuate the ramrod urging meansand the vehicle on which the various and sundry appurtenances contiguousto the invention are located, by a single prime mover.

Another purpose of this invention is to controllably direct the poweroutput of the prime mover to the ramrod urging means or the vehiclerunning gear.

Another purpose of this invention is to provide a device which issimplified in character and structure for performing the aforementionedobjects.

Ancillary objects and features of novelty will become apparent to thoseskilled in this art, in following description of the preferred form ofthe invention, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein- Figure1 is a fragmentary plan view of the preferred form of the invention;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary elevational view in enlarged scaleillustrating a portion of the frame which is pivoted to a vehiclechassis and also illustrating the urging means for the ramrods;

Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary elevational view of the terminalportion of the frame and i1- lustrates the means for adj ustablysupporting the ramrod as well as selectively raising and lowering theframe, together with the means for actuating the runing gear of avehicle;

Figure 4 is an enlarged sectional view showing particularly the runninggear of the vehicle and a portion of the frame raising and loweringmeans;

Figure 5 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 5-5 ofFigure 1 and in the direction of the arrows;

Figure 6 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 6-6 ofFigure 2 and in the direction of the arrows;

Figure 7 is a perspective view illustrating the platform raising andlowering means;

Figure 8 is a fragmentary elevational view showing a modified form ofthe frame raising and lowering means;

Figure 9 is an enlarged plan view of the detail of construction of theembodiment shown in Figure 8;

Figure 10 is an elevational view illustrating the ramrod and a supporttherefor;

Figure 11 is a sectional view illustrating particularly the preferredclamps for connecting various sections of the ramrod, and

Figure 12 is an elevational view of the device showing the frame in araised position with res ect to the chassis of the vehicle.

This invention has been developed to provide a device for charging ashaft or cavern which has been preconstructed.

For various uses such as in mining, construction of tunnels, bridges,roads and the like, it is expeditious to blast certain portions of theterrain. One of the major problems in such blasting operations is theactual charging of the shaft with an explosive. Certain apparatus hasbeen devised for such a purpose and in many instances the charging isdone manually. It is within the purview of the present invention toprovide a mechanical device for charging holes, shafts or the likerapidly and dextrously.

The apparatus is made mobile for the obvious purpose of convenience insuch operations and the preferred forms of the invention are practicalas a mobile device since the loading of each hole or shaft may be donein a very short time. Therefore, all that is necessary to load a shaftor hole for subsequent blasting is to locate the automotive vehicleadjacent the shaft to be loaded, perform the loading operations and thenmove. to the next adjacent shaft whichisto be loaded either plied on thechassis of a vehicle. The urgingv means may be bodily pivoted on thechassis in order to provide selected degrees of angularity to conformwith the angularity of the blast. hole.

or shaft to be loaded.

A problem arising in devices of this nature is that of the loading stickor ramrod dragging on the ground or sagging excessively. Therefore,conveniently placed on the vehicle chassis is an extensible support uponwhich is mounted a guide pipe within which the ramrod slides and thisguide pipe may be extended behind the blast hole loader to any requiredlength, where it is sup ported at intervals by jack stands of adjustableheight. H

The amount of force required to actuate the loading stick is not alwaysthe same. The amount of pressure required of, the driving pulleysagainst the ramrod varies with the weight of explosives being packed andthe degree of adhesion of the loading stick or ramrod and drivingpulleys. If several cartridges are pushed into the shaft at one time, agreater pressure against the ramrodis required to propel it than if onlyone cartridge is pushed at a time. If the ramrod is slippery from mud, amuch greater pressure against it is required'to propel it than when itis dry. Further, the pressure must below enough so the driving pulleyscan slip on the ramrod when the cartridge being loaded strikes the endof the blast hole, otherwise the machine must either break or pushitself back in the direction opposite that of the travel of the ramrod,since the operator cannot stop or reverse the application of power atthe exact instant that the charge reaches the end of the shaft.

In order to adjust the pressure between the ramrod and its associateddriving pulleys to whatever is required under the varying conditionsdescribed and also in order to accommodate various diameter ramrods, thelower bank of pulleys which drive the ramrod may be raised or lowered atwill by means of an improved system of jacks operating against theplatform on which this bank of driving pulleys is mounted.

A single pump, preferably of the manually operated type is supplied fordirecting and. urging hydraulic fluid to four piston-cylinderassemblies. The piston of each assembly engages a platform, whichplatform is slidable within guides. It is quite obvious that the lowerset of pulleys are also journaled in the platform and are raised andlowered with the pistons. The single pump therefore directs the fluid tothe cylinders under substantially equal pressure thereby urging eachcorner of the platform by an equal amount of force for the purpose oflifting the platform bodily within the guides. This raises all thepulleys on this platform an equal and equivalent amount. V

The invention is particularly well adapted for use in blastingoverburdenin open pit or strip coal,mines. .In such mines the blastholes aregenerally drilled into the overburden a few feet above the coalvein either horizontally or at small angles from the horizontal and areloaded by pushing an explosive in cartridge form into the hole with longloading sticks by manual means. The number of men required to charge ahole by this means varies with the weight of the car tridges used, thelength and angle of the hole and the time allowable and may require ashigh as fifteen men. The use of the present invention for this purposeobviously greatly reduces the manual labor involved.

Another method of loading blast holes is to blow the powder into thehole however, this method is rather unpopular due to the increased'hazard of accidental explosion and because it requires a chamber orhole of greater diameter than the hole to receive the charge therein.

The present invention has for one of its prime purposes the loading of ablast hole in a safe manner, and depositing the charge at the properposition in the blast hole in an economical, efiicient manner,

There are two embodiments of the present invention illustrated herewith,one embodiment differentiating from the other solely in the use of ahydraulic jack in lieu of a manually actuated mechanical jack or winch.The second embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figures 8 and 9and will be described subsequently since it embodies all of thestructure illustrated in connection with the first embodiment of theinvention with the sole exception of the aforementioned jacks.

A vehicle is provided for use in association with the present inventionand has a conventional chassis it supplied therewith as well as adifferential l2 and steering mechanism [3 which is positionedtherebeneath. The appurtenances contiguous to vehicles are also utilizedin association with this particular vehicle, and since theseappurtenances are all conventional, and form no real material part(insofar as specific structure thereof) they will not be illustrated ordescribed.

A frame generally indicated at I4 is seated on the chassis ID and iscomposed of any suitable material, preferably essentially of angle iron.The base portion of the said frame is composed of four elements and issubstantially rectangular,

in configuration. Uprights which are all identical and indicated at l5are secured at the front of this substantially rectangular base portionof the frame and suitable cross members I8 and 26 respectively aresupplied in association with the uprights for rigidity of construction.The rectangular base portion with the uprights I6 and strengtheningmembers indicated at I8 and 23 cooperate to form the frame l4. Frontbearings i! and rear bearings H! are secured to a pair of uprights l6and to the rear part of the frame respectively.

The entire frame [4 is pivotable about opposite ends by a selection ofmeans, which means may be seen by inspection of Figures 3 and 8respectively.

The tilting or pivotally lifting means illustrated in Figure 3exemplifies one embodiment of the invention and is composed of amanually operative winch construction 22, seated on a shelf 24.

The winch construction consists primarily of a drum 26 attached to asuitable shaft 28 which is in turn journaled in bearings 30. Thesebearings seat upon the shelf 24 and a ratchet gear 32 with an associatedpawl 34 are supplied in conjunction with the shaft 28. A handle 36 maybe detachably connected with one terminal: portion of the said shaft 28for manual operation of the drum 25. Cables 38 and 40 respectively areeach secured at one end to the drum 25 while the other end of. each isattached to one of. the hangers 42. Also, suspended from. the hangers 42is a pair of sheaves or pulleys 44 and 46 respectively' having a portionof the cables extending therearound.

The lower portions of the cables extend around complemental pulleys 68and 50 respectively which are attached to brackets 52 and 54 which arerigidly attached to the frame I5; whereupon actuation of the drum 26will selectively play and wind an amount of cable therearound, therebylifting one end of the frame I 4 or lowering the same end.

In order to maintain the hangers 42 in the elevated position, asubstantially U-shaped member 56 having legs which form rails or guides5! is secured to the chassis I0 and is journaled on a shaft 58. Thisshaft is in turn mounted in end plates 60 and 62 respectively which arerigidly attached to the chassis Ii]. By this construction the U-shapedmember is pivotable about the shaft 58 as an horizontal axis in order toride with the moving of the said frame I i upon movement thereof.

There are two of such constructions provided,

one at one end of the said frame It while the other is at the oppositeend. By this medium either the front or rear end of the frame I4 may beraised and lowered.

Referring now to Figure 8 it will be noted that the end plates 60 and 62respectively are provided with the shaft 58 therein. However, in placeof the U-shaped frame member and the winch construction 22, there isprovided a simple hydraulic jack assembly. A pump 66 of any suitable,conventional type is supplied and a jack 68 is arranged to urge upwardlythe bracket 67 which is secured to the frame I i, said jack beingpivoted on the shaft 58. Upon actuation of the pump 66, the jack 68 maybe raised or lowered selectively through the medium of urging hydraulicfluid through the conduit III and the conduit 12. It is noted at thispoint that there are four of such jacks used with the preferred form ofthe invention in order to raise the four corners of the frame I l withsubstantially equal forces at the corners. The jacks 68 are pivotableabout the shaft 58 as an axis, as are the winch and U-shaped memberassemblies.

Referring now again primarily to Figure 2 it will be noted that thewinch construction is duplicated at the forward end of the frame It andsince each element is identical to the above described pertinent winchand U-shaped member elements, the same reference numerals are carriedthroughout. Further, there is provided a platform generally indicated at8!] and substantially rectangular in configuration. This pla form iscomposed of a plurality of longitudinal members 82 and more specificallycomposed of four sides. The platform is slidably received within theflanges of the angle iron uprights I6 and these flanges cooperate withthe platform to form guides.

Means for urging a ramrod or loading sticlr 84 in a blast hole isdisposed on the frame and the platform. The preferential means is aplurality of rollers which are identical in character. Each roller 87 ofan upper series is journaled by means of a suitable shaft 88 and eachroller 36 of a lower series is disposed on a shaft 96, all of theseshafts being received in bearing carrying bosses: 92.

96. This assists in producing the additional friction necessary forgripping the loading stick B4.

The means for raising and lowering the platform 80 may be seen in Figure7' wherein a plurality of jacks 98 are supplied with a piston I00therein. The jack housings are secured to the frame It and the pistonsI00 engage the lower surface of the platform 80 for lifting purposes. Aconduit I02 extends from each cylinder to a common manifold I 04, thenceby means of a supply line I536 extends to a manual pump I08. A valve H0is supplied in the line I05 and a lever is secured to the pump I08 foractuation purposes. Upon actuation of the pump and proper setting of thevalve III each of the four illustrated jacks 98 urge with equal forcethe lower surface of the platform to for adjusting the opposed rollersrelative to each other, selectively increasing or decreasing thedistance between the relatively stationary series of rollers and theadjustable rollers.

Common means for actuating the rollers and the running gear of thevehicle is provided. This common means may be seen as preferably anelectric motor H4 however, it is apparent that a diesel engine, gasolinefired internal combustion engine, turbine or the like may be utilized inlieu of the motor.

The drive consists primarily of a driven shaft I I6 extending from themotor I I4 having a drive gear thereon. This gear has a chain II5extending therearound and around a suitable gear attached to a shaft H8which is mounted in bearings H9 secured to the base portion of the frameI4. A cover I20 is supplied over the chain and gears for obviouspurposes.

A lever I 22 is pivoted to a cross member in the lower part of the frameI4 for the purpose of actuating a conventional clutch mechanism I24which slides a collar having a gear I26 on the shaft II 8. This gear I26is selectively freely rotatable on the shaft H8 or drivingly connectablewith a sleeve I28. This sleeve I28 is also received on the shaft II8-and has a bevel gear I39 attached thereto. A complemental bevel gear I32having a shaft I36 attached thereto is enmeshed with the first mentionedbevel gear I35. The shaft 23.4 is journaled in a suitable bearing 53%and a universal joint fitting is at the free end thereof.

Referring now to Figure 4. it will be seen that a telescopic shaftconstruction is supplied in association with the said shaft I34. Thistelescopic shaft is composed of two parts one being a rod I38 having auniversal joint end connected with the aforementioned universal jointconnection and the other being a sleeve I 59 splined or otherwiseassociated with the rod I33. Thgterminal portion of the. sleeve I59connects with- Each of the said bosses are. attached to either the crossmember 20 or the sides of. the

the differential l2 through the medium of a universal joint I42. Thisconstruction is Provided in order that when the frame I4 is pivotedabout either the forward or rear shafts 58 or the drive shaft I38I40 maybe extended and retracted without binding.

In Figure 1 it will be seen that the gear I26 is enmeshed with a gearI50 which is journaled on the shaft I52. This last mentioned shaft isreceived in suitable bearings in the said frame I4 and is utilized forthe purpose of imparting torque to the roller bearing shafts 88 and 90.The clutch mechanism I24 is of the nature of a collar havingprotuberances thereon engageable with the complemental notches in thesleeve I28 and sleeve bearing gear I26. The clutch mechanism is utilizedfor the purpose of selectively actuating the running gear of the vehicle(through the medium of the differential I2) and the rollers, from acommon prime mover I I4.

Attached rigidly to the gear I26 and spaced therefrom is a sprocket I60having a chain. I62 extending therearound. This chain I62 attaches tothe first of the shafts 88 through the medium of a suitable sprocketI64. The remaining shafts 88 of the top bank or series of pulleys orsheaves are driven from the torque derived in this manner, that isthrough the medium of a plurality of sprockets I65 fixed to the shafts68 interconnected by chains I61.

The lower series or bank of pulleys is driven from the torque derivedfrom the shaft I52. A sprocket I is attached to the shaft I52 and has achain I12 extending therearound. This chain also extends around asuitable gear or sprocket I14 which is rigidly attached to the first ofthe lower pulley supporting shafts 90. Through the medium of chains I16and associated sprockets I11 which are fixed to the shafts 90, theentire lower bank of pulleys is driven in unison. It is now appreciatedthat upon actuation of the clutch mechanism I24 by means of the pivotedhandle or link I22, the actuation of the upper and lower rows of pulleysmay be effected.

Means for supporting the loading stick or ramrod 84 is provided on thevehicle chassis I0. The preferential means may be seen best in Figure 3wherein there is disclosed a sleeve I90 having a telescopicallyadjustable bar I92 therein. A set screw I94 or the like is provided inthe said sleeve engageable with the rod I92 in order to maintainselected, adjusted positions thereon. A hearing cradle I96 is secured tothe said rod I92 whereon the guide pipe 232 seats. This guide pipesupports the ramrod 84 which slides within it.

Reference is now made to Figure 10 wherein a jack stand generallyindicated at I98 is shown. Several of these jack stands are used atintervals distant from the vehicle to support the guide pipe 232 withinwhich the ramrod 84 slides. Each jackstand has attached therein a sleeve200 with a rod 202 slidably and adjustably received therein. Attached tothe top of the rod is a cradle 206 whereon the guide pipe 232 may seatand a set screw 204 is provided in the sleeve 200 to hold rod 202 in anydesired position. This means provided on the jack stand, Figure 10, forraising and lowerin the guide pipe is similar to that provided on thevehicle chassis, Figure 3, for the same purpose.

Means for extending the ramrod 84 is utilized in connection with thepresent invention and may be seen by correlating Figures 11 and 10. Theramrod 84 may be provided with a hollow bore wherein a dowel typeconnecting member 2I0 is supplied. This dowel type connecting member 2I0is pinned to one end of a length of ramrod by means of the pin 2I 2while the other end of the dowel type connector is formed with bore 2 I4having a spring 2 I6 seated therein. This spring urges a lug 2I8exteriorly of the bore 2I4 and a cap screw 220 is used for seating thespring.

The opposite end of each length of ramrod is provided with apertures 222so placed that when this end is butted against an end containing theconnecting member, the lugs in the connecting member may snap into theapertures and lock the two ends together. Breaking the connection isaccomplished by depressing the lugs with a tool, turning one length ofrod and then pulling it off.

A conventional quick connection mechanism 224 of a different type isused to connect the various lengths of the guide pipe within which theramrod slides. The specific structure of this mechanism is simply asleeve 226 welded at one end to a length of guide pipe 232 and having aslit or cut 228 at the other end with clamping screw extending throughsuitable brackets attached to marginal edges of said out portion. Theplain end of a length of guide pipe is inserted into the slit end of thesleeve and the screw tightened to attach the two lengths firmlytogether.

In operation of the invention, when the electric motor H4 is utilized astarter resistor box 240 may be supplied on :the frame I4 for the usualpurpose and function in supplying resistance to the armature and coilsof the motor in accordance with the desired operation. Further, it isreadily apparent that a conventional cartridge terminal portion 242 issupplied on the ramrod or loading stick 84 as is well known in the art.

Having described the invention, what is claimed as new is:

1. A mechanical loader comprising a vehicle having a chassis,- a frameadjustably supported on said chassis, means for raising and loweringselected ends of said frame, a lower set of rollers, means foradjustably supporting said rollers, in said frame, a motor disposed onsaid chassis, means operatively connected with said motor for actuatingsaid rollers and means operatively connected with said motor foractuating said vehicle, said rollers support means including a platform,means associated with said frame for guiding said platform when it israised, an upper set of rollers journalled in said frame, and meansconnected to said platform for raising and lowering said platform.

2. A mechanical loader comprising a vehicle having a chassis, a frameadjustably supported on said chassis, means for raising and loweringselected ends of said frame, a lower set of rollers, means foradjustably supporting said rollers in said frame, means for actuatingsaid rollers and said vehicle, said rollers support means including aplatform, means associated with said frame for guiding said platform, anupper set of rollers journalled in said frame, means connected with saidframe for raising and lowering said platform, said vehicle and rolleractuation means including a prime mover, and means for drivinglyattaching said prime mover to said rollers and the vehicle running gear.

3. A mechanical loader comprising a vehicle having a chassis, a frameadjustably supported on said chassis, means for raising and loweringselected ends of said frame, a lower set of rollers,

aei tise means for adjustably supporting said lower set of rollers insaid frame, means for actuating said rollers, said rollers support meansincluding a platform disposed in said frame, an upper set of rollerscarried by said frame, means for raising and lowering said platform,said frame raising and lowering means includingapair of shafts attachedto said chassis adjacent the ends of said frame, and lifts pivotallyassociated with said shafts and connected with said frame.

4. The combination of claim 3, and resilient grooved faces on saidrollers for gripping a ramrod.

5. The combination of claim 4 and extensibly adjustable means attachedto said chassis for guiding the ramrod toward and from said rollers.

6. In a mechanical loader, a vehicle including a chassis, means mountedon said chassis for urging a ramrod, means for tilting said urging meansto selected poistions of angularity, a frame associated with saidchassis, means for pivoting said frame about opposite ends and forvertically displacing said frame, said urging means including a platformslidably positioned within said frame, said tilting means includingspaced shafts attached to said chassis, and lifts pivotally associatedwith said shafts and said frame.

'7. In a mechanical loader, a vehicle including a chassis, means mountedon said chassis for urging a ramrod, means for tilting said urging meansto selected positions of angularity, a frame associated with saidchassis, means for pivoting said frame about opposite ends, said urgingmeans including a platform slidably positioned within said frame, saidtilting means including shafts attached to said chassis, lifts pivotallyconnected with said shaft and said frame, and said rollers having ramrodsupporting grooves in the peripheries thereof.

8. A mechanical loading device comprising a vehicle which has a chassis,a frame which includes vertical members forming guides, means adjustablysupporting said frame on said chassis for pivotal movement about theforward and rearward end of said frame, structural members constitutinga part of said frame and having a series of rollers carried thereby, aplatform disposed between said guides and arranged for verticaladjustment, a second series of rollers carried by said platform andcooperable with the first mentioned series of rollers :to feed a roddisposed between the series of rollers, and means for lifting said frameselectively so that it pivots about the ends thereof and so that it isvertically raised whereby both ends are lifted substantially an equalamount, lifts secured in spaced relationship with respect to each otheron said chassis for pivotal movement, bearings secured to said frame andmeans forming a part of said lifts and forming guide rails for saidbearings, and means operatively connecting said lifts and said frame soas to raise and lower said frame and said platform as a uni-t.

9. In a mechanical loader, a vehicle, a chassis having a motor mountedthereon, said vehicle having wheels and means drivingly connecting atleast one of said wheels and said motor, a pair of rails with meanspivotally mounting said rails at one end of said chassis, a second pairof rails with means pivotally mounting said second pair of rails on saidchassis at a spaced position with respect to the first mentioned set ofrails, a frame disposed between said sets of rails with bearings on saidframe slidably disposed on said rails, means secured to said rails andsaid frame for selectively raising the front and rear ends of saidframe, an upper series of rollers carried by said frame, a lower seriesof rollers cooperating with said upper series of rollers and forming arod feed, and means for raising said lower series of rollers to decreasethe space between said rollers. I

10. In a mechanical loader, a vehicle, a chassis having a motor mountedthereon, said vehicle having wheels and means drivingly connecting atleast one of said wheels and said motor, a-pair of rails' with meanspivotally mounting said rails on said chassis, a second pair of railswith means pivotally mounting said second pair of rails on said chassisat a spaced position with respect to the first mentioned set of rails, aframe disposed between said'sets of rails with bearings on said frameslidably disposed on said rails, means secured to saidrails and saidframe for selectively raising the'front and rear ends of said frame, anupper series of rollers carried by said frame, a lower seriesof rollerscooperating with said upper series of rollers and forming a rod feed,and means for raising said lower series of rollers to decrease the spacebetweensaid rollers including a platform disposed in said frame forvertical adjustment together with a lift reacting on said platform andsaid frame,

11. In a mechanical loader, a vehicle, a chassis having ,a motor mountedthereon, said vehicle having wheels and means drivingly connecting atleast one of said wheels and said motor, a pair of rails with meanspivotally mounting said rails on said chassis, a second pair of railswith means pivotally mounting said second pair of rails on said chassisat a spaced position with respect to the first mentioned set of rails, aframe disposed between said sets of rails with bearings on said frameslidably disposed on said rails, means secured to said rails and saidframe for selectively raising the front and rear ends of said frame, anupper series of rollers carried by said frame, a lower series of rollerscooperating with said upper series of rollers and forming a rod feed,and means for raising said lower series of rollers to decrease the spacebetween said rollers including a platformdisposed in said frame forvertical adjustment together with a lift reacting on said platform andsaid frame, at least one of said rollers having an outer surface with agroove to enhance the gripping action between the one of said rollersand the rod.

12. A mechanical loader comprising a vehicle chassis, a frame disposedon said chassis, said frame having vertical members forming guides, apair of plates fixed to said chassis, a second pair of plates fixed tosaid chassis spaced from said first mentioned pair of plates, a shaftdisposed in each pair of plates, vertical rails mounted for pivotalmovement on each of said shafts, said frame having bearings at one endslidably disposed on one of said pairs of rails, and said frame havingbearings disposed at the opposite end and slidably arranged on the otherpair of rails whereby said frame is vertically movable and whereby saidframe is pivotally movable about both ends as a pivot axis, meansoperatively connected with said rails and said frame for raising andlowering said frame as a unit and for pivotally operating said frame, aplatform disposed between said guides and means operatively connectedwith said platform and said frame for raising said platform, a pluralityof rollers forming a first series secured to said frame, a plurality ofrollers forming a second series secured to said platform and verticallymovable therewith, all of 11 said rollers being movable with said frame,the first and second series of rollers having their peripheries spacedfrom each other to form a rod feeding passage, and means operativelyconnected with said rollers for rotating said rollers.

13. A mechanical loader comprising a vehicle chassis, a frame disposedon said chassis, said frame having vertical members forming guides. apair of plates fixed to said chassis, a second pair of plates fixed tosaid chassis spaced from said first mentioned pair of plates, a shaftdisposed in each pair of plates, vertical rails mounted for pivotalmovement on each of said shafts, said frame having bearings at one endslidably disposed on one of said pairs of rails, and said frame havingbearings disposed at the opposite end and slidably arranged on the otherpair of rails whereby said frame is vertically movable and whereby saidframe is pivotally movable about both ends as a pivot axis, meansoperatively connected with said rails and said frame for raising andlowering said frame as a unit and for pivotally operating said frame, aplatform disposed between said guides and means operatively connectedwith said platform and said frame for raising said platform, a pluralityof rollers forming a first series secured to said frame, a plurality ofrollers forming a second series secured to said platform and verticallymovable therewith, all of said rollers being movable with said frame,the first and sec- 12 0nd series of rollers having their peripheriesspaced from each other to form a rod feedin passage, and meansoperatively' connected with said rollers for rotating said rollersincluding a motor and members drivingly connecting said motor and saidrollers, said chassis having wheels to support the chassis for mobility,and means operatively connected with said motor and a pair of saidwheels for operating the pair of wheels.

14. The combination of claim 13 together with resilient membersconstituting the peripheries of said rollers to engage the rod andenhance the gripping between the rollers and the rod.

WILBUR V. STYLES. ELIAS A. PALO.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the

